WO2014167272A2

WO2014167272A2 - Instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2014167272A2
Application number: PCT/GB2014/000139
Authority: WO
Inventors: Archibald Ian Jeremy Brain
Original assignee: Archibald Ian Jeremy Brain
Priority date: 2013-04-09
Filing date: 2014-04-09
Publication date: 2014-10-16
Also published as: WO2014167272A3; EP3001877A2; SG11201508320YA; ES2790427T3; EP3001877B1

Abstract

A musical instrument comprising a soundbox, and a neck for supporting a first set of strings, the neck being connected to the soundbox, the soundbox comprising a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall, wherein the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use; and a method for assembling the instrument.

Description

INSTRUMENT

The present invention relates to an instrument, in particular a stringed-instrument that includes a soundbox, such as a guitar.

Stringed instruments that include soundboxes and the tones they are capable of producing are well known. Luthiers strive to produce a variety of tones using different methods of construction and different tonewoods, particularly to produce instruments in which the voices of individual strings are clear and harmonious, and such instruments are extremely popular. They are also bulky and somewhat fragile and difficult to transport. In particular, anyone faced with having to travel by air has to contend with limitations on the size and number of carry-on items of luggage, as well as security requirements. Guitars in particular are bulky and unlikely to fit into overhead compartments or under seats. In response to this issue, a number of foldable guitar designs have been developed. Most known designs involve removing or folding the guitar neck, which is then placed along the guitar body. However, in this position, the neck and body must be secured and protected to prevent damage during transport, for example to avoid scratching of the body finish or catching and pulling of the strings, both of which can affect the sound quality of the instrument. It has indeed been noted that collapsible guitars have an inferior sound quality compared to a conventional acoustic guitar and that the instrument must be re-tuned after re-assembly. These designs often involve complex and numerous structural elements which can also clutter up the instrument and adversely affect its tone. It is an object of the invention to seek to mitigate problems such as the aforementioned.

The inventor has developed a new stringed instrument which has a new and characteristic tone, and which, fortuitously can also be adapted to be easily transported as hand luggage on an aircraft or stored in a school cupboard. The soundbox of the instrument has an open back, creating a new and interesting tone and can therefore also be used to store, not only the disassembled guitar parts, but also additional belongings, such as soft clothing. More importantly, as this new instrument unexpectedly produces a different quality of sound when played due to its open structure and can be adapted to include a second stringed instrument as will be described below, the present invention will be of particular interest to music enthusiasts looking to discover new instruments with new sounds. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a musical instrument, comprising a soundbox, and a neck for supporting a first set of strings, the neck being connected to the soundbox, the soundbox comprising a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall, characterised in that the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use. As an example, the instrument may be a guitar.

The aperture may comprise substantially the entire rear-facing portion of the soundbox. Alternatively, the aperture may be defined by and be formed in, a rear-facing backplate. The backplate may comprise a rim joined to the circumferential sidewall. There is thus provided an open-back instrument which produces a relatively low sound volume which is ideal for rehearsal purposes and can be particularly advantageous in a small hotel room, where one might otherwise disturb neighbours. In addition, the hollow body can be used to stow the disassembled parts of the instrument, if any, and also to store any additional items (such as soft items of clothing) when travelling.

Preferably, the instrument comprises a body, wherein the body comprises the soundbox.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible musical instrument comprising a guiding device for guiding a first set of strings into place when the instrument is reassembled, wherein the strings are arranged such that it is not necessary to detach the strings from the instrument when disassembled or reassembled. Preferably, the instrument comprises a body comprising a soundbox, and a neck for supporting the first set of strings. Preferably, the neck is connected to the soundbox, the soundbox comprising a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall, wherein the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use. Advantageously, the tension of the strings maintains the instrument in the assembled configuration. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible musical instrument comprising a removable neck, further comprising means for adjusting the neck relative to a body of the instrument. The means for adjusting the neck relative to the body are preferably provided in the form of a plurality of internal strings. Preferably, the neck supports a first set of strings. Preferably, the neck is connected to the body. Preferably, the body comprises a soundbox comprising a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall, wherein the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible musical instrument comprising a neck and a body, wherein the instrument comprises a mechanism for attaching the neck to the body comprising captive parts, such that the mechanism does not involve the use of any loose fixation parts and does not require the use of tools. Preferably, the body comprises a soundbox, and the neck is arranged to support a first set of strings. Preferably, the soundbox comprises a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall, wherein the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use.

Preferably, the instrument of the first, second, third and/ or fourth aspect is a guitar. In this embodiment (as exemplified below), the instrument can be an acoustic guitar. This guitar-like instrument produces not only a lower sound volume but also a different quality of sound when compared to a standard acoustic guitar, which makes it a new instrument in its own right.

Preferably, the neck is removably connected to the body. The disassembled neck can be stowed into the soundbox of the instrument either via the aperture or even via a removable backplate or, if the instrument is a guitar, through the sound hole. In this position, the neck is less likely to damage or scratch the body finish and the strings are almost completely contained within the body so that one is less likely to catch and break them when handling the collapsed instrument. The instrument now occupies a smaller volume with the disassembled parts neatly stowed within the body and can easily be transported or stored. In one embodiment, the body includes a plurality of internal strings. Thus, the present invention can be played as a guitar-like instrument in a first position, using the set of strings on the neck, and as a harp-like instrument in a second position, using the internal strings. The aperture or detachable back panel allows for the installation of the interior strings, their adjustment, and the ability to play them or alternatively allow them to resonate spontaneously.

When the instrument is a guitar, the internal strings preferably extend longitudinally from one side or end of the sidewall to the other. Alternatively, the length of the internal strings (and therefore the resulting sound) can be varied by changing their positioning within the body and the strings could for example extend laterally.

Preferably, the instrument further comprises means for tuning the internal strings such as keys or pegs. The tuning means may be placed adjacent an end of the strings.

Preferably, the instrument further comprises means for structurally strengthening the body. For example, the backplate may comprise a peripheral rim that surrounds a detachable panel. This peripheral rim is preferably made of plywood and strengthens the structure of the body, in particular when the back panel is detached. In a second preferred embodiment, the body comprises at least one internal rib. In addition or alternatively, the instrument may comprise at least one, preferably two internal ribs at the approximate level of the absent back panel, relative to the sidewall. If the instrument is a guitar, the ribs may extend longitudinally or laterally at the approximate level of the absent back panel. The ribs provide mechanical strength and prevent the body from flexing. This feature is particularly advantageous when the body is under string tension due to the presence of internal strings

Preferably, the instrument comprises a headstock and means for detachably securing the headstock to the neck. In a preferred embodiment, in the assembled position, the neck is attached at its proximal end to the body and at its distal end to the headstock. The headstock is removably connected to the neck so that the disassembled parts can fit entirely within the space defined by the body. Preferably, the detachable securing means comprises a hinge. In addition or alternatively, a retaining means, such as a retaining hook, may be provided between the headstock and the neck, in order to prevent accidental forward displacement of the headstock during use. Preferably, the retaining means is disposed to join the back of the headstock to the back of the neck (i.e. not on the side comprising the first set of strings). Most preferably, the retaining means is resilient, for example spring loaded.

Alternatively, the instrument may comprise a headstock and means for folding the headstock along the neck.

Preferably, the instrument further comprises first and/or second means for guiding the strings of the first set of strings during re-assembly of the headstock to the neck. During disassembly of the instrument, the relative spatial position of the strings may change considerably, which can make re-assembly cumbersome and difficult. The guiding means will facilitate the re-assembly process. Preferably, the guiding means is capable cf guiding the strings into position relative to each other at the nut of the neck. For example, a movable guiding means may be provided on the headstock through which the strings pass, which keeps the strings in their spatial positions relative to each other, so that when the head is re-attached, the strings are automatically guided into their correct positions. In addition or alternatively, the guiding means is capable of mamtaining the strings in position relative to each other. The strings of the first set of strings are found to be all of different lengths due to their different tension characteristics. This may cause problems of entanglement when the headstock is detached from the neck and stowed inside the body, since the strings are still attached to the headstock and the body. This guiding means enables the strings to be trapped in position on the headstock during the disassembly process and stowage.

Preferably, the instrument comprises means for detachably securing the neck to the body. The securing means may include means to secure the neck to the body in the assembled position and/or securing means to secure the neck to the inside of the body in the disassembled position

Preferably, the instrument further comprises means for detachably securing the headstock within the body. Preferably, the body comprises a bridge for receiving the first set of strings and means for securing the strings to the bridge. Since the tension on the strings is reduced to zero every time the instrument is disassembled, it happens that sometimes the attachment of the strings to the bridge works loose, necessitating their re-attachment. To prevent this from occurring, the strings may be secured to the bridge. Preferably, the instrument comprises means for preventing the strings becoming detached from the bridge when the headstock is removed during disassembly. In one embodiment, the means for preventing the strings becoming detached from the bridge may comprise a plate, preferably a hardwood plate, which may be attached to the surface of the bridge with a screw, for example, a single woodscrew which may be attached at a central point. Preferably, the plate is wide and long enough to cover and exert pressure on the strings at the point where their ends are twisted together. In one embodiment, since the strings are of different thicknesses, the plate may be grooved on its inner surface (i.e. the surface facing the front wall) to varying depths such that all the strings may be compressed equally by tightening the screw. Advantageously, the screw only requires to be undone when a string is changed. Typically, in this embodiment, the thickness of the plate needs only be enough to ensure adequate distribution of pressure, and in one embodiment may be in the range of about 6 to about 8 mms.

Where the instrument is collapsible, it preferably comprises means for facilitating tensioning of the first set of strings during assembly.

In one embodiment, the sidewall of the body may be provided at an angle with respect to the front wall of the body. In one embodiment the sidewall is provided at an obtuse angle with respect to the front wall of the body. In another embodiment, the sidewall is provided at an acute angle with respect to the front wall of the body. Preferably, the sidewall is provided at different angles with respect to different regions of the front wall of the body. Advantageously, the provision of sidewall at an angle with respect to the front wall of the body enhances and/ or amplifies the sound of the instrument. In one embodiment, the mechanism of attaching the neck to the body may comprise a latch member mounted on the body of the instrument which engages with a locking member mounted on the neck of the instrument. Advantageously, the mechanism of this embodiment does not require the use of any loose fixation parts, such as nuts and bolts, and does not require the use of tools. Preferably, the latch member may be substantially L-shaped and may comprise a biasing means, for example, in the form of a locking spring. The provision of a biasing means advantageously assists in the engagement of the latch member with the locking member. Preferably, an operating handle may be provided to enable a user to move the latch member from a latched position where it engages with a locking member provided on the neck of the instrument, to a disengaged position against the bias of the locking spring. In one embodiment, the operating handle may be attached to the latch member. In one embodiment, the latch member may be mounted on the body of the instrument at a position substantially adjacent to the position at which the neck of the instrument is attached to the body. Preferably, the latch member may be mounted on a sidewall of the body. In one embodiment, the latch member may be inserted within a channel provided within a sidewall of the body, wherein the channel is provided at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front wall of the body. Preferably, the latch member may comprise a hook-like element at one end thereof. In this embodiment, the operating handle may be attached to the latch member at the opposite end to the hook-like element. In one embodiment, the operating handle may be provided at an angle substantially perpendicular to the latch member. Preferably, the latch member may comprise an aperture, in which the biasing means may be provided in the form of a locking spring. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the locking spring acts to offer resistance to the outward movement of the hook-like element of the latch member away from the retaining screw during assembly. Preferably, the latch member passes through a channel provided within a sidewall of the body, such that the hook-like element projects through the channel. Preferably, a leaf-spring may be provided at the lower end of the channel. In one embodiment, the leaf-spring may be set in a small groove cut diagonally into the side wall of the channel, such that when the neck is lowered into place, the hook-like element of the latch member is urged into engagement with the locking member. In one embodiment, a metal platform may be mounted on the outer surface of a sidewall of the body, against which a bolt may be mounted through a hole within the operating handle and/ or sidewall, immediately adjacent to and parallel to the latch member. Preferably, the bolt may be threaded and/ or may be hand-operated. Preferably, the bolt may engage with the hole which may be correspondingly threaded. Advantageously, turning the bolt clockwise pulls the latch member upwards and thus firmly anchors the neck in place on the body of the instrument. Advantageously, the mating surfaces of the neck and body allow a slight degree of backward movement of the neck with respect to the plane of the body, such that increasing the tightness of the locking mechanism by further turning the bolt clockwise pulls the neck backwards, thus reducing the height of the strings from the fingerboard, thus allowing the person playing the instrument to modify the gap between the strings and the fingerboard rapidly, for example, during a performance.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the locking spring and leaf spring work in combination to facilitate the engagement and/ or disengagement of the latch member with the locking member, and thus the engagement and/ or disengagement of the neck and body of the instrument.

In one embodiment, the neck and body of the instrument may be connected to one another via a bolt and mating socket. In this embodiment, the body comprises a boss which engages with a socket provided on the neck of the instrument. Advantageously, the arrangement of components in this embodiment prevents forward sliding of the neck that may occur due to string tension. In addition, in this embodiment, the engagement of the hook-like element of the latch member with the locking member, for example, in the form of a retaining bolt, advantageously strengthens the connection between the neck and body. Advantageously, the provision of the operating handle and bolt allow for improved ease of detachment of the neck and the body. Preferably, a fixing block may be provided behind the heel and under the fingerboard of the instrument. Preferably, at least one hook may be attached to the surface of the fixing block. In a preferred embodiment, two hooks may be attached to the surface of the fixing block. Advantageously, when the instrument is in its assembled position, the fixing block may be located within the body and may mate with a corresponding fixing block, which may be an internal fixed block, to secure the neck to the body. Preferably, upon assembly of the instrument, the internal strings may be positioned such that they pass through the eye of the at least one hook, advantageously providing a means for adjusting the position of the neck with respect to the body.

In one embodiment, at least one shelf is attached to the underside of the front wall of the body. Preferably, two shelves are provided, one on each side of the neck. Advantageously, the at least one shelf offers a firm support platform, preferably a few millimeters wide on either side, from the point of attachment at the head-stock to the neck's termination at the front sound hole. Preferably, the at least one shelf is wooden. The at least one shelf is preferably narrow in width to allow the neck to be inserted between the at least one shelf when disassembled and placed within the body of the instrument. Advantageously, the width of the neck progressively decreases along the length thereof towards the end at which the headstock is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the eye of the at least one hook is slightly open to allow for improved ease of insertion and/ or detachment of the strings upon assembly/ disassembly of the instrument and attachment/ detachment of the neck from the body.

In one embodiment, after removal of the headstock from the neck of the instrument, the headstock is inserted into the body of the instrument via the rearwardly facing aperture. Preferably, the detached headstock is stored within the body of the instrument. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling or disassembling an instrument as described above.

The invention will be further described by way of example, with reference to the following drawings and figures, in which;

Figure 1 is a front plan view of a musical instrument according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a back plan view of the musical instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side plan view of the musical instrument of figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front plan view of part of the musical instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a back plan view of part of the musical instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a side plan view of part of the musical instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of part of the musical instrument of figure 1 ; Figure 8 is a perspective view of part of the musical instrument of figure 1, without strings and without the headstock;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of part of the musical instrument of figure 1, without strings;

Figure 10 is a side schematic view of the neck of the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 1 OA is a perspective view of the back of the neck of the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 11 is a back plan view of the body of the instrument of figure 1;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the back of the body of the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 12A is a perspective view of part of the back of the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 13 is a front plan view of the body of the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figures 14A and 14B are schematic views of systems for securing the neck to the body of the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a tensioning tool applied to the instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the instrument of figure 1 from which the headstock is being detached;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the detached neck being introduced into the body of the instrument of figure 1 through the soundhole;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the neck being secured to the body in the disassembled position;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the disassembled instrument of figure 1 ;

Figure 20 is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of instrument in accordance with the invention;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a part of the embodiment of figure 20;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a part of the embodiment of figure 20;

Figure 23 is an end view of the parts of figures 20 and 21 in a partially disassembled condition;

Figure 24 is a front, part view of the headstock shown in figure 20;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of part of the instrument of figure 1, in a partially disassembled configuration;

Figure 26 is a perspective end view of part of the instrument according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 27 is a perspective end view of part of the instrument of figure 26; Figure 28 is a perspective view of an operating tool used in the embodiment shown in figures 26 and 27;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of part of the operating tool of figure 28;

Figure 30 is a perspective view of the operating tool of figure 28 and 29, showing how the tool is mounted within the instrument of figure 26;

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the tool of figures 28 and 29 mounted within the instrument of figure 26;

Figure 32 is a perspective view of part of the instrument of figure 26 including the operating tool of figure 28;

Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the components for securing the neck to the body of the instrument of figure 26;

Figure 34 is a perspective side view of part of the neck of the instrument of figure 26;

Figure 35 is a front perspective view of part of the neck shown in figure 34;

Figure 36 is a perspective view from below of part of the instrument of figure 26;

Figure 37 is a partial perspective view of the detached neck being introduced into the body of the instrument of figure 26 through the soundhole; and

Figure 38 is a partial perspective view of the detached neck being introduced into the body of the instrument of figure 26 through the soundhole. Referring to figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a musical instrument 1, comprising a soundbox, and a neck 6 for supporting a first set of strings 7, the neck 6 being connected to the soundbox, the soundbox comprising a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall 5, characterised in that the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use. In this embodiment, the instrument is a guitar, comprising a hollow body 2, the hollow body including a sound board 3 joined to a backplate 4 by a circumferential side wall 5 to form a soundbox, and a neck 6 for supporting a first set of strings 7, the neck 6 being connected to the body 2, wherein the backplate 4 includes a detachable panel 8. In one embodiment, the body 2 comprises the soundbox. In one embodiment, the body 2 may be the soundbox.

From figures 1 to 3 it can be seen that the guitar of this embodiment resembles in most respects a conventional acoustic guitar. Starting from its distal end relative to a player, the instrument 1 (see figure 4) comprises a headstock 9 to which the strings of the first set of strings 7 are connected by means of tuning pegs 10. The headstock 9 is detachable from the neck 6, above the nut 12 via a substantially V-shaped join 14 to facilitate the positioning of the two parts relative to each other during assembly and to improve the stability of the headstock-neck assembly.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 19, two separate detachable securing means are provided to detachably secure the headstock 9 to the neck 6. As shown in figure 5, first detachable securing means 15 comprises a hook connected to the headstock 9 by screw 16 and is detachably connectable to a screw of the neck 6. This first detachable securing means 15 is particularly advantageous in that it prevents accidental forward displacement of the headstock 9 relative to the neck 6 during use of the instrument. The retaining means 15 is spring-loaded so that it remains in whatever position it is placed as it is swung in or out of engagement with the projections 16. This is important during re-tensioning of the strings 7 during re-assembly using a re-tensioning tool 20a (see below), to prevent the possibility of the hook 15 getting in the way of the joint as the headstock 9 is swung into place.

The second detachable securing means comprises a detachable hinge assembly, including preferably at least two (see figure 7 and figure 8) or three (see figure 9) hinge points 17. Each hinge point 17 has an arm 17a connected to the neck 6 and an arm 17b connected to the headstock 9. The two arms 17a, 17b are detachably connected to each other for example by means of a pivot bolt (not shown) which is slidable through eyes 18 in arms 17a, 17b. The bolt can be withdrawn when the headstock 9 and neck 6 are in a relationship in which there is no tension in the strings 7. Furthermore, it will be noted that the pivot axis of the hinge points 17 lies above the nut 12 when the instrument 1 is assembled. This ensures that when in the assembled position, the headstock 9 is not pulled forwards towards the neck by the tension of the strings 7, but rather the strings act to pull the headstock and neck joint together. This arrangement thus requires the headstock to be rotated about the hinge points 17 a few degrees forward towards the neck 7 before the string tension operates directly on it. It will be noted that the hinge points 17 are placed in such a position that their action does not obstruct the movement of the strings 7 as they are swung outwards away from the neck 6 by the forward rotation of the headstock 9. Therefore, the axis of the hinges 17 does not pass across the space thus traversed by the strings 7 during disassembly. Lastly, the height of the hinges 17 above the plane of the front of the neck must be kept to a minimum to avoid getting in the way of the player's left hand during play. In practice, 3 to 4 mms height of the axis above the string line seems sufficient to satisfy all of these requirements.

In a second embodiment illustrated in figures 20 to 24, an alternative assembly for attaching the headstock to the neck is illustrated. In this embodiment a single hinge point 117 is provided, including neck hinge part 117a and headstock hinge part 117b. Neck hinge part 117a comprises a body 118 set into the material of the neck from which a hinge loop 119 extends upwardly above the plane of the fingerboard, and distally with respect thereto. Headstock hinge part 117b also includes a body 120 set into the material of the headstock. A hinge hook upstand 121 extends upwardly from the forward face of the headstock and carries a hook part 122. Hook part 122 comprises a substantially cylindrical hook bolt 122a which extends outwardly from the upstand 121 in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the upstand. Headstock hinge body 120 further includes lug 123 which also extends upwardly therefrom spaced from upstand 121 such that a shallow groove 124 is defined therebetween. To attach the headstock to the neck the hinge parts 117a and 117b are brought together so that bolt 122a passes into hinge loop 119 and the headstock is then rotated into its normal position relative to the neck. This brings a portion of hinge loop 119 into register with groove 124 and the hinge parts 117a, 117b are thus prevented from moving apart. In figure 24, an alternative form of string guide 13 is shown which accommodates the single hinge point 117.

In all embodiments, when the headstock 9 is detached from the neck 6, the strings 7 are found to be all of different lengths due to their different tension characteristics. In practice, this may cause problems of entanglement when the headstock 9 is stowed inside the body 1, since the strings 7 are still attached at both ends (to the headstock 9 and the body 2). To overcome this problem, it is found convenient to rotate the headstock 9, holding the strings 7 together in one hand while the strings 7 are held together in the other hand. In this way the strings 7 are passed longitudinally around the back of the headstock 9 and over its outer end, which has been fitted with a string stowage retainer 11 for retaining the strings 7 during disassembly and stowage. The retainer 11 comprises a peg 1 la. In this embodiment, the peg 1 la is conveniently made of wood, and its shaft is split similarly to an old-fashioned clothes peg, and which is made to fit with slight resistance inside a hole drilled longitudinally and concentrically down the centre of the headstock 9 from its distal end to a distance of approximately 3-4 cm. On either side of this hole, the headstock 9 comprises a groove 1 lb wide and deep enough to accommodate the bundle of strings 7 as they are passed over the headstock 9. The peg 1 la is then fitted into place astride the string bundle, which is thus trapped in position.

A string guiding means 13 is provided to guide the strings 7 into their spatial positions (relative to each other) in the nut 12 during assembly of the instrument 1. When the instrument is in its assembled position, the strings 7 are maintained in their relative spatial position by nut 12 at the distal end of the neck 6. When the strings 7 move away from their position in the grooves of the nut 12 during disassembly, their tension starts to pull directly from the point at which they are wound onto the tuners of the headstock 9, considerably changing their relative spatial positions. Reassembly is facilitated by a string guide 13. In this embodiment, the string guide 13 comprises a strip of for example a plastics material that is fixed to the front face of the headstock such that it can pivot forwards therefrom, but cannot move laterally in relation thereto. The strip includes a channel (not shown) for each string 7 to keep them in their spatial positions relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the strings 7 are enabled to move in their channels, which is particularly useful when re-tensioning the strings 7 during assembly of the instrument 1. As the headstock 9 is pulled back into its assembled position, the string guide 13 will guide each string into its correct position onto the nut 12. Figure 25 shows the neck 6 and headstock 9 of the instrument in a partially collapsed position and illustrates the mechanism by which the string guide 13 guides each string to the correct position on the nut 12.

When the headstock 9 is re-attached to the neck 6, the strings 7 remain fixed to the headstock 9 at a point near their upper free end but the string guide 13 operates to retain the relationship of the strings 7 to one another as near as possible to the nut 12. Since the strings 7 move outwards away from their alignment with the headstock 9 during disassembly, the guide also moves with them. Therefore, in the assembled position, the guide 13 is hingedly connected to the headstock 9. Also, since the strings 7 move freely in the guide channels, these channels may conveniently be made in the form of a transverse plate perforated with accurately placed holes through which the strings can freely pass. In practice, such a plate may for example be made of hard wood or plastic of the same width as the cut end of the neck 6. The plate may be about 6 mm in thickness and about 10 mm in width.

With reference to figures 10 and 10A, the neck 6 is detachably connected to the body 2 and includes fingerboard 19 which supports the strings 7 when the instrument 1 is played, and heel 21. The neck 6 is attached to the body 2 by means of a bolt 20 which is concealed inside the heel 21. The heel 21 is divided into three parts; a removable cap 21 A which fits over the head of the bolt 20 and is identical to the back end of the heel 21, flush with the back panel 4, and of the same material; a middle part 21 B which is immovably attached to the body 2, through which the bolt 20 passes, and which is substantially about half the length of the remaining part of the heel 20; and an upper removable part 21 C of the heel 21, which forms part of the neck 19 itself and into which the retaining bolt 20 is screwed, preferably using a tubular spanner. The neck 6 further comprises a fixing element 29 behind the heel and under the fingerboard 19. When the instrument 1 is in its assembled position, this block 29 is located within the body 2 and mates with a corresponding fixing element 30 which is an internal fixed block to secure the neck 6 to the body 2 (see figure 14A and 14B). In the embodiment shown in Figures 14A and B, the neck 6 of the instrument is detachable from the body. The heel 21 comprises parts 2 IB and 21 C which may be connected via bolt 20. A cap 21 A may be placed over the end of the bolt 20. The block 29 may be integral with the neck 6 and may slot into a receiving socket cut into the internal fixed block 30. Turning now to the body 2 of the instrument 1 (see for example figures 2 and 11), the body

2 comprises a first wall 3, a second wall 4 and a peripheral sidewall 5 which connects the first wall 3 to the second wall 4. The second wall 4 comprises or includes a detachable panel 8. In this embodiment, the second wall 4 also comprises a peripheral rim 22 to strengthen the structure of the body 2. The rim 22 is preferably from 1cm to 4cm wide and preferably from 3mm to 4 mm thick. Two strengthening ribs 23 extend longitudinally inside the body 2 adjacent the detachable panel 8. In one embodiment, the sidewall 5 of the body 2 is provided at an angle with respect to the first (or front) wall 3 of the body. In one embodiment, the sidewall is provided at an obtuse angle with respect to the front wall 3 of the body. In another embodiment, the sidewall 5 is provided at an acute angle with respect to the front wall 3 of the body. Preferably, the sidewall 5 is provided at different angles with respect to different regions of the front wall 3 of the body. Advantageously, the provision of the sidewall 5 at an angle with respect to the front wall 3 of the body enhances and/ or amplifies the sound of the instrument.

The body 2 also comprises an internal set of strings 24 and means for tuning said strings 25 (see figure 12 A). In this embodiment, the body 2 comprises three longitudinally extending strings 24. Of course, the number of strings may be increased or decreased and the internal strings 24 could be extending in other directions within the body 2, which would vary the sound quality of the internal instrument. Preferably, the internal strings comprise a nylon material. The tuning means 25 are tuning keys or pegs, which are located, in this embodiment, on the rim 22. The strengthening features 22, 23 described above provide mechanical strength to the structure of the body 2, in particular as the whole structure will have a tendency to flex under the string tension.

With reference to figure 13, the front wall 3 comprises sound hole 26. In this embodiment, the sound hole 26 is substantially in the shape of a keyhole including the conventional circular sound hole space 26a and the space 26b under the neck 6 when the neck 6 is attached. Internal strengthening bars are provided on either side of the space 26b, inside the body 2. The body 2 will also include a fixed internal block element 30 to mate with the fixing element 29 of the neck 6.

The front wall 3 includes the bridge 27 to which an end of the first set of strings 7 is traditionally attached by means of tying or the use of bridge pins. In the present embodiment, since the tension on the strings 7 is reduced to zero every time the instrument 1 is disassembled, it happens that sometimes the tied attachment of the strings 7 to the bridge 27 becomes loose, necessitating their re-attachment and thereby negating one of the advantages of the method. To prevent this from occurring, a plate 28, preferably a hardwood plate, is attached to the surface of the bridge 27 with a single woodscrew (not shown) in the centre. The plate 28 is wide and long enough to cover and exert pressure on the strings 7 at the point where their ends are twisted together. Since the strings 7 are of different thicknesses, the wooden plate 28 is grooved on its inner surface (i.e. the surface facing the front wall 3) to varying depths such that all the strings 7 are compressed equally by tightening the single screw. The screw only requires to be undone when a string 7 is changed. The thickness of the plate 28 needs only be enough to ensure adequate distribution of pressure, in practice from about 6 to about 8 mms.

The instrument 1 can optionally comprise a variably removable hardwood back plate (not shown), which can either be used as a lid after packing other soft items inside the body or, during use of the instrument 1 , as a modifier of the tone. Such a back cover may leave a part of the back uncovered, permitting the player to pluck the resonant strings 24 while it is still in place.

In use, the process for disassembling the instrument 1 is described below. The first step is to remove the headstock 9 from the neck 6. The instrument 1 is held with its body 2 on the floor stabilized between the player's legs. The headstock 6 is tensioned sufficiently backwards to allow the retaining hook 15 to be slid out of engagement with the neck 6 or projections 16. The headstock is then swung forwards on its hinge, releasing the string tensions. There is now no tension in the strings 7 and the arms 17a, 17b of the detachable hinge points 17a, 17b are then detached from each other by sliding the retaining bolt out of the eyes 18.

A re-tensioning tool 20a may be used, which is essentially a lever allowing purchase and control over the process of swinging the headstock 9 into or out of position on the neck 6. Without this tool, considerable manual strength is required to pull the headstock 9 against the tension of the first set of strings 7. The tool has a handle portion, a lever portion and a hook portion to engage the headstock 9. The tool inserted with the handle aligned behind the neck 6 and the hooked end slotted into the center of the end of the headstock 9. Pulling the handle away from the neck 6 bends the headstock 9 forwards, disengaging the strings 7 from the grooves in the nut 12. As the angle between the headstock 9 and the neck 6 passes through zero, the strings 7 become free to pull strongly against the restraining hand holding the tool. The player must now continue the action using a braking force. The action is continued in this controlled fashion until there is no further tension in the strings 7, after which the tool may be removed. When the headstock 9 is detached from the neck 6, the strings 7 held together in one hand and the headstock 9 is rotated with the other hand. In this way the strings 7 are passed longitudinally around the back of the headstock 9 and over its distal end, into the grooves 1 lb. The peg 1 la is then fitted into place astride the string bundle, which is thus trapped in position. The headstock 9 is now ready for stowage, but must be placed to one side in order to remove the neck 6 from the body 2 first.

The detachable panel 8 is removed and the instrument 1 is placed with its back wall 4 up. The heel cap 21a is manually removed, to reveal the bolt 20 head. A spanner is used to remove the bolt, following which the neck 6 can be gently eased away from the body 2 by pulling it longitudinally. The two halves are designed to fit together by longitudinally interlocking surfaces which allow a small amount of vertical rocking movement after the bolt has been removed. This facilitates removal and allows some adjustment to neck angle using different thicknesses of washers on the bolt. After removal, the neck 6 is placed to one side until the head 9 is stowed.

For convenience and neatness, it is found best to place the headstock 9 inside the body 2 by passing it through the sound hole 26 in the front of the body 2. In this embodiment, the operation should be carried out with the body 2 placed on its side. In this embodiment, the strengthening bars 23 obstruct complete passage of the head 9 into the body 2 unless it is inserted starting with the wide outer end approached diagonally from the side of the body 2, the tuning pegs 10 facing into the sound hole 26. There is just sufficient room to turn the headstock 9 to face into the smaller end of the body 2 where it can be made to rest against the transverse ribs of the front wall 3 with the tuning pegs 10 facing towards the back of the body 2 on the side opposite to that from which it was inserted. Finally, the body 2 should be placed with the front wall 3 facing downwards. Any convenient fixation method may be used to prevent the headstock 9 from moving about once in stowed position. However in this embodiment, the retaining hook 15 above can be swung into fixing engagement against one of the two strengthening ribs which is grooved to receive it by wedging.

The final stage is to stow the detached neck 6 inside the body 2. The neck 6 is inserted by aiming the wide end of the fingerboard 19 just under the sound hole 26 and passing it under the remaining transverse beams which traditionally strengthen the sound hole 26, until it is almost completely inside the body 2. To perform this operation the instrument 1 should be placed hollow side up, to facilitate guiding the neck 6 into place. The first transverse beam has been cut through since this passes under that part of the fingerboard 19 which overlies the body 2. Its cut ends are braced by strips of hard wood glued between them and the receiving wooden block 30 which mates with the neck block 29 in the operating position, forming vertically disposed bracing triangles on either side of the sound hole 26. The second transverse beam remains in place, but is altered by cutting a shallow groove in it so that the fingerboard 19 of the neck 6 fits into this groove, assisting guidance.

When the neck 6 is fully in place, it is retained at the smaller end of the body 2 by the fact that the opening through which the neck 6 passes is slightly smaller than the width of the neck 6 at the point where it is sawed through. The opening is in fact "V" shaped, but the distal end of the neck 6 is held restricted in the narrower part of the "V" by the fact that the mid-section of the neck 6 is pressed against the shallow groove in the second transverse beam, and it is thus held because at the opposite end, the neck 6 is finally retained in a fixed position by using the same bolt 20 originally used to secure the neck 6 through the heel 21. This bolt 20 is now inserted through a hole in the wide end of the body 2 perforating the end-stock hardwood segment. It enters a corresponding fixation post secured to the under-side of the fingerboard 19. When tightened, this bolt 20 fixes the neck 6 firmly in place, secured at three points: in the "Y" shaped "cradle" at the narrow end of the body 2, under the second transverse beam of the sound hole 26 and by the retaining bold 20. The assembly is now ready for transporting.

The instrument 1 can be re-assembled by reversing the procedure described above.

In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism of attaching the neck 6 to the body 2 advantageously does not involve the use of any loose fixation parts, such as nuts and bolts, and does not require the use of tools. The mechanism of this embodiment comprises a latch member 32 mounted on the body 2 of the instrument which engages with a locking member 34 mounted on the neck 6 of the instrument. Preferably, the latch member 32 is substantially L-shaped and includes a biasing means, for example in the form of a locking spring 36. The provision of a biasing means assists in the engagement of the latch member 32 with the locking member 36. Preferably, an operating handle 38 is provided which may be mounted on the body 2 of the instrument. Advantageously, the operating handle 38 enables a user to move the latch member 32 from a latched position where it engages a locking member 34 provided on the neck 6 of the instrument, to a disengaged position against the bias of the locking spring 36. This embodiment is illustrated in figures 26 to 33.

In this embodiment, the latch member 32 is mounted on the body 2 of the instrument at a position substantially adjacent to the position at which the neck 6 of the instrument is attached to the body 2. Preferably, the latch member 32 is mounted on a sidewall 5 of the body 2. The latch member 32 is inserted within a channel 40 provided within a sidewall 5 of the body 2, wherein the channel 40 is provided at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front wall 3 of the body 2. The latch member 32 comprises a hook-like element 44 at one end thereof. In this embodiment, the operating handle 38 is attached to the latch member 32 at the opposite end to the hook-like element 44. The operating handle 38 is provided at an angle substantially perpendicular to the latch member 32. Figure 26 shows the latch member 32 and operating handle 38 in a first position and figure 27 shows the latch member 32 and operating handle 38 in a second position, after actuation of the operating handle 38.

Figure 28 shows the latch member 32 and operating handle 38 in isolation, i.e. in the absence of the instrument. In this embodiment, the latch member 32 comprises an aperture 46, in which the biasing means is provided in the form of a locking spring 36, as shown in Figure 29. In this embodiment, the locking spring 36 is provided within the aperture 46 which extends along the length of the latch member 32, together with a short metal yoke 35 which is flanged at one end to engage with the locking spring, and formed into a yoke at its other end to provide stable engagement of the spring against a retaining screw (not shown). At its opposite end, the locking spring 36 is retained in the track by a small knob of metal protruding into the track. The locking spring 36 acts to offer resistance to the outward movement of the hook-like member 44 away from the retaining screw during assembly. Figure 30 shows the mechanism by which the latch member 32 is mounted within the sidewall 5 of the body 2. The latch member 32 passes through a channel 40, such that the hooklike element 44 projects through the channel 40. The hook-like element 44 comprises a beveled edge which allows the hook-like element 44 to slide sideways on contacting a corresponding locking member 34 in the form of a retaining bolt on the underside of the neck 6. The hook-like element 44 is retained in place by a wood screw (not shown) which passes through a slot in the shaft of the hook and can be screwed into the sidewall 5 from inside the body of the instrument, access being through the smaller of two rear panel sound holes. A leaf-spring (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the channel 40, the leaf-spring being set in a small groove cut diagonally into the side wall of the channel 40, such that when the neck 6 is lowered into place, the hook-like element 44 of the latch member 32 is urged into engagement with the locking member 34, for example in the form of a retaining bolt fixed on the underside of the neck 6. A metal platform 50 is typically screwed into place on the outer surface of a sidewall 5 of the body 2 (see Figure 30), against which a bolt 52 is mounted within a hole 51 provided within the operating handle 38 and/ or sidewall 5, immediately adjacent to and parallel to the latch member 32 (see Figure 31). Preferably, the bolt 52 is threaded and/ or hand-operated and engages with hole 51 which is correspondingly threaded. Turning the bolt 52 clockwise pulls the latch member 32 upwards and thus firmly anchors the neck 6 in place on the body 2 of the instrument. The mating surfaces of the neck 6 and body 2 allow a slight degree of backward movement of the neck with respect to the plane of the body, such that increasing the tightness of the locking mechanism by further turning the bolt 52 clockwise pulls the neck 6 backwards, thus reducing the height of the strings from the fingerboard, thus allowing the person playing the instrument to modify the gap between the strings and the fingerboard rapidly, for example, during a performance.

Advantageously, the locking spring 36 and leaf spring work in combination to facilitate the engagement and/ or disengagement of the latch member 32 with the locking member 34, and thus the engagement and/ or disengagement of the neck 6 and body 2.

Figure 32 shows the operating handle 38 and latch member 32 in position within the body 2, before the neck of the instrument has been attached. Figure 33 shows the latch member 32 after insertion through the channel 40. In this embodiment, the neck and body of the instrument are connected to one another via a bolt and mating socket. In this embodiment, the body 2 comprises a boss 45 which engages with a socket 47 provided on the neck 6. Advantageously, the arrangement of the components in this embodiment prevents forward sliding of the neck that may occur due to string tension. In addition, the engagement of the hook-like element 44 of the latch member 32 with the locking member 34, for example in the form of a retaining bolt, strengthens the connection between the neck and body. Advantageously, the provision of the operating handle 38 and bolt 52 allow for improved ease of detachment of the neck 6 and the body 2.

Figures 34 and 35 show part of the neck 6 of the instrument in one embodiment, comprising a fixing block 54 provided behind the heel 21 and under the fingerboard 19. At least one hook 56 is attached to the surface of the fixing block 54. In the embodiment shown in Figures 34 and 35, two hooks 56 are provided. When the instrument is in its assembled position, the fixing block 54 is located within the body 2 and mates with a corresponding fixing block, which may be an internal fixed block, to secure the neck to the body. Upon assembly of the instrument, the internal strings 24 are positioned such that they pass through the eye of the at least one hook 56, providing a means for adjusting the position of the neck with respect to the body. Figure 36 illustrates the position of the neck after attachment to the body, showing the internal strings 24 after fitting within the eye of the at least one hook 56.

Figure 37 shows the neck and body of the instrument, during assembly thereof, illustrating the position of the head of the locking member 34, for example, in the form of a strong steel retaining bolt provided within the neck 6 which engages with the hook-like element 44 of the latch member 32. In one embodiment, two narrow wooden shelves 58 are attached to the underside of the front wall 3 of the body 2, on each side of the neck 6, such that they offer a firm support platform, preferably a few millimeters wide on either side, from the point of attachment at the headstock to the neck's termination at the front sound hole 26 (see Figure 36). These shelves 58 are supported by short pillars (not shown), which themselves are supported on a hardwood beam 60 which is visible within the sound hole 26 and which is itself firmly attached at either end to the hardwood side wall 5 of the guitar body 2. The shelves 58 are preferably narrow in width to allow the neck 6 to be inserted between the shelves when disassembled and placed within the body 2 of the instrument. Advantageously, the width of the neck 6 progressively decreases along the length thereof towards the end at which the headstock 9 is attached. Figure 38 shows another view of the neck and body of the guitar, the underside of the neck (at its largest width) being attached to the internal strings (which may act as guide rails) using hooks 56. In a preferred embodiment, the eye of the at least one hook 56 is slightly open to allow for improved ease of insertion and/ or detachment of the strings 24 upon assembly/ disassembly of the instrument and attachment/ detachment of the neck from the body. In use, the process for disassembling the instrument is substantially the same as that described previously. However, in this further embodiment, the disengagement of the neck 6 from the body 2 involves actuation of the operating handle 38 to disengage the latch member 32 from the locking member 34. The actuation of the operating handle 38 causes the hook-like element of the latch member 32 mounted on the body 2 to disengage with the retaining bolt provided on the neck 6. This allows the boss 45 and socket 47 to disengage, thus disengaging the body 2 and the neck 6. The neck can then be stored within the body of the instrument. The headstock 9 is removed from the neck 6 and inserted into the body 2 via the rearwardly facing aperture. The headstock 9 may then be stored within the body 2 (see Figures 18 and 19). In addition, the retensioning tool 20a may be stored within the body (see Figure 19).

The instrument can be reassembled by reversing the procedure described above.

Thus, from the above description, it can be seen that the present invention provides a new type of musical instrument effectively combining a guitar-like instrument and a harp-like instrument. This new instrument is collapsible and therefore easy to transport and store.

Although the present invention is described with respect to a guitar, other musical instruments may be adapted as described above. For example, any instrument in the violin family of musical instruments, including violin, viola, cello and double-bass could be adapted to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A musical instrument comprising a soundbox, and a neck for supporting a first set of strings, the neck being connected to the soundbox, the soundbox comprising a soundboard and a circumferential sidewall, characterised in that the soundbox includes a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use.

A collapsible musical instrument comprising a guiding device for guiding a first set of strings into place when the instrument is reassembled, wherein the strings are arranged such that it is not necessary to detach the strings from the instrument when disassembled cr reassembled.

An instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the instrument comprises a body, and wherein the body comprises the soundbox.

A collapsible musical instrument in accordance with claim 2 or 3, wherein the tension of the strings maintains the instrument in the assembled condition.

A collapsible musical instrument comprising a removable neck, further comprising means for adjusting the neck relative to a body of the instrument.

A collapsible musical instrument comprising a neck and a body, wherein the instrument comprises a mechanism for attaching the neck and the body comprising captive parts such that the mechanism does not involve the use of any loose fixation parts and does not require the use of tools.

An instrument according to any one of claims 2 to 6, comprising a rearwardly facing aperture when the instrument is in use.

An instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the instrument is a guitar.

9. An instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture comprises substantially the entire rear-facing portion of the soundbox.

10. An instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture is defined by and in a rear-facing backplate.

11. An instrument according to claim 10, wherein the backplate comprises a rim joined to the circumferential sidewall.

12. An instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the neck is removably connected to the body.

13. The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a plurality of internal strings.

14. The instrument according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of internal strings provide the means for adjusting the neck relative to the body.

15. The instrument according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the instrument is a guitar and the internal strings extend longitudinally from one part of the side wall to another part.

16. The instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising means for tuning the internal strings.

17. The instrument according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for structurally strengthening the body.

18. The instrument according to claim any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the backplate includes a peripheral rim.

19. The instrument according to claim any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises at least one internal rib.

20. The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the instrument comprises a headstock and means for detachably securing the headstock to the neck.

21. The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the instrument comprises a headstock and means for folding the headstock along the neck.

22. The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the instrument comprises a headstock and first and/or second means for guiding the strings of the first set of strings.

23. The instrument according to claim 22, wherein the first guiding means is adapted to pivot, relative to the headstock without lateral movement relative thereto to guide the strings into position relative to each other at the headstock.

24. The instrument according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the second guiding means is adapted to maintain the strings position relative to each other at the headstock.

25. The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the instrument comprises means for detachably securing the neck to the body.

26. The instrument according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the instrument comprises means for detachably securing the headstock to the body.

27. The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a bridge for receiving the first set of strings and means for securing the strings to the bridge. The instrument of claim 27, further comprising means for preventing the first set of strings becoming detached from the bridge when the headstock is removed during disassembly of the instrument.

The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the sidewall of the body is provided at an angle with respect to the front wall of the body.

The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a removable plate for adjusting the sound of the instrument.

The instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the instrument comprises means for tensioning the first set of strings during assembly.

A musical instrument substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.

A method for assembling an instrument substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures and examples.